After nearly twelve years of marriage, Todd and I would like to announce that we have decided to formally separate For those who follow these sorts of things (thank you Facebook), we would like to dispel any possible rumors and explain that our separation is not the result of any secret love affairs, or scandals. This decision has been made with much thought after months of marriage counselling.

We happily remain committed to raising our children is the least destructive way possible. Therefore, we both vow to refrain from talking about the details of this situation on social media. We feel strongly that, while a divorce is not the most pleasant thing to go through, it is a private situation that is nobody's concern but ours. It does not have to be a full on fight to the death blow out.

We both have love in our hearts for each other and will likely remain the best of friends. We still do family activities together, we plan to share holidays together and maybe even a weekly dinner or two. For anyone else going through a similar situation...it does not have to be a "bad" thing. In the span of a month, we have completed an agreement, both financially and in regards to custody that we both find fair. No lawyers, no silent treatments and no fighting in front of the kids. We take great pride in knowing that simple things like taking the children swimming together is still something we do even though we are no longer a couple.

This is not a bad thing. This is a step forward for both of us, just in separate directions. We will both be fine. We will help each other through the rough patches and in the end it will be a good thing.

I have received plenty of guidance throughout this process from friends and family, and the words that stick firm in my head are from the Chaplain at work..."It's not the 1950's anymore, you don't have to stay married for the sake of staying married." We are still in it for better or worse, for the kids, for our families, for each other...we are just doing from different households now.

We ask in advance for your kindness and sensitivity in the coming months.